Transmitting focused B/sub 1/ field and SENSE reconstruction using an 8-element transceive torso phased array coil

Area of Science:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Biomedical Engineering
• Radiology

Background:

• Current MRI techniques for chest imaging face challenges in achieving adequate signal intensity deep within the torso.
• Optimizing radiofrequency (RF) field distribution is crucial for improving image quality and scan speed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a new design concept for an 8-element transceive torso phased array coil for MRI applications.
• To investigate the feasibility of transmitting a focused B1 field deep within the torso to enhance signal intensity.
• To evaluate the coil's performance in conjunction with the SENSE reconstruction technique for accelerated imaging.

Main Methods:

• Design and simulation of a focused, 8-element transceive torso phased array coil.
• Utilizing a hybrid Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) and Method of Moments (MOM) approach to predict RF behavior within the human torso.
• Integration with the SENSE (Sensitivity Encoding) reconstruction technique.

Main Results:

• The simulation results demonstrate the feasibility of achieving focused B1 field transmission deep within the torso.
• The proposed coil design, when combined with SENSE reconstruction, is shown to be achievable.
• The 8-element transceive coil offers advantages for both transmit and receive modes, enabling optimized and fast chest imaging.

Conclusions:

• The developed 8-element transceive torso phased array coil represents a promising advancement for chest MRI.
• Focused B1 field transmission coupled with SENSE reconstruction can significantly enhance signal intensity and imaging speed.
• This design facilitates optimized and rapid MRI of the chest.